Patient Info

Orthodontic Patient Information

Welcome to Orthodontic Specialists of Tucson! We think you will notice an obvious quality about our office. We love orthodontics, and it shows in everything we do. Our patients and their families are special to us and we go the “extra (s)mile” for them. Orthodontic problems require very specialized care. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing an office you are comfortable with. When you choose Dr Pearcy & Dr Raksanaves you can be confident your orthodontists have completed extensive advanced training and have the experience of successfully treating thousands of patients. Our training and 50 years of combined experience in orthodontics can provide you with your “dream smile”. Please see choosing an orthodontist. We pride ourselves on a level of technology second to none in Tucson, and we continually keep abreast of the latest developments in orthodontics. Our office has been on the leading edge of orthodontic treatment for over 25 years and remains so today. We have the specialized equipment, facility and staff to properly address today’s most demanding orthodontic needs.

Choosing an Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment involves a long-term commitment to treat one of the most visible areas of the body, your smile. It’s important to choose your orthodontist very carefully. Here are few things we believe you should know before you make a decision:

How experienced is the orthodontist? A stable, established practice is generally the best choice. You should feel free to ask for references from patients who’ve completed similar treatment. Dr. Pearcy and Dr. Raksanaves have been serving Tucson for more than 25 years and have successfully treated thousands of patients.

Is the orthodontist affiliated with a respected study group? Practitioners who share their experience and know-how and routinely have their work evaluated by colleagues are often at the forefront of the profession. See if your orthodontist is a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists. Dr Pearcy and Dr. Raksanaves are long standing members of this prestigious group and regularly have their work evaluated by the world’s most respected orthodontists. Both of our doctors have lectured both nationally and internationally to other orthodontists.

Does the orthodontist provide clear, customized treatment options at no risk to you? In many instances, there will be several viable treatment plans; it is the ethical responsibility of the orthodontist to explain all reasonable options. Treatment is a major commitment and you deserve to understand the road ahead. Skipping the preliminary evaluation and diagnostic steps can mean misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and poor results.

How varied and advanced are the treatments offered? Innovative techniques can sometimes significantly reduce treatment time and cost. It’s in your best interest to find an orthodontist who keeps abreast of the latest developments in orthodontics. Dr. Pearcy and Dr. Raksanaves regularly exceed state continuing education requirements by 200-300%! Our office has been on the leading edge of orthodontic treatment for 25 years and remains so today.

Is the orthodontist a member of AAO (American Association of Orthodontists)? AAO is the profession’s premier association. To verify your orthodontist’s credentials, check with the American Association of Orthodontists. An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A general or pediatric dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

Did your dentist refer you? If so, your dentist has likely referred other patients to this office, and they’ve had a successful experience. Primary dentists are in a great position to evaluate orthodontists, because they must work closely together to coordinate your care.

Does the entire staff listen to you and answer your questions? You’re an active participant in your treatment. Therefore, it’s important that you receive all the information and support you need to succeed. Feel free to look at hundreds of our Patient Surveys which speak in glowing terms about our offices level of communication and personal attention.

Is the office space comfortable and professional? Is the environment clean, organized and efficient? Do you feel welcomed and appreciated when you call or visit? These factors contribute to superior quality of care. We invite you to tour our first-class facility.

Is care available when you need it? If the office location and hours are convenient, you’re more likely to keep the necessary periodic appointments. Our office offers before and after school and Friday appointments times. Compare our schedule to other offices you may be considering and see the difference. We understand that your time is valuable. Our office runs on time and we make every effort to minimize the number of appointments necessary to complete your treatment.

What happens if you need urgent attention? Although emergencies are unusual, it’s important to know if your orthodontist is prepared to assist you, in case urgent care is required. Our home and cell phone numbers are available for our patients and we respond promptly to all emergencies.

At our practice we offer complimentary consultations. So, if you’ve read through the above and think we might be the place for you, click here to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Your First Orthodontist Visit

Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

Any x-rays (if applicable)

A list of medications you are presently taking

If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

Completed online or printed patient registration forms.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

Broken Appointments: If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office atTucson Office Phone Number520-742-1232. By doing so you allow another patient to use that time as well as reschedule your appointment. There is a $25.00 charge for appointments missed without prior notice. If it is after hours leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering machine and we will return your call in the morning.

Diagnostic Records & Treatment Planning

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, you will be scheduled for diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained,
Drs. Pearcy and Raksanaves will review them and determine a specific treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Then our office will give you a call to review your treatment plan, set up the necessary appointments to begin your orthodontic treatment and set up financial arrangements for you.

Successive Visits

Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, we will want to see you every 4 to 8 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, eat nutritiously and practice good oral hygiene. Also continue to visit your dentist regularly.

Once your braces are removed, retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!

Length of Treatment

Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation and the degree of movement possible.

Dental Care

Before any orthodontic treatment, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of your gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease.

In addition, your dentist or an oral surgeon will remove any teeth that Drs. Pearcy and Raksanaves prescribed to correct your bite. Your family dentist should also schedule cleaning and cavity checkup visits during your orthodontic care. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement.

Scheduling

We have flexible hours to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules, please call us at Tucson Office Phone Number520-742-1232 to schedule your appointment. If you have pain or an emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

We pride ourselves for staying on schedule and minimizing your waiting time. However, occasionally, unforeseen or circumstances or emergencies may cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.